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Mahabaleshwar, which is tucked away in the Western Ghats, is well known for its breathtaking scenery and lively culinary scene. This quaint hill station serves a delicious fusion of modern foods that suit all palates and traditional Maharashtrian fare. Tourists can enjoy the best food in Mahabaleshwar, providing an amazing culinary experience, from the hearty Maharashtrian Thali and crispy Bhaji with chai to sweet delicacies like Malai Kulfi. Foodies who are keen to experience regional flavours should definitely visit this place because every dish embodies the warm welcome and rich traditions of the area.
Best Food In Mahabaleshwar: 10 Top Dishes To Try
Mahabaleshwar is a hill station in Maharashtra that is renowned for its mouthwatering cuisine and stunning scenery. The top ten dishes to try in Mahabaleshwar are listed below.
1. Strawberries With Cream
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A popular meal in Mahabaleshwar is strawberries with cream. Hand-selected from nearby farms, the strawberries are served with a big dollop of luscious cream. The dessert brings out the fruit’s inherent sweetness and bitterness, which are expertly counterbalanced by the cream’s richness. This meal is light and pleasant, a refreshing treat that is simple but decadent. It’s a well-liked option for tourists visiting Mahabaleshwar, particularly in the strawberry season, and can be found at most neighbourhood restaurants, including Mapro Garden. This is a classic Mahabaleshwar experience, served with smooth cream and fresh strawberries straight from the farm.
Where To Try: Mapro Garden
2. Bhutta / Roasted Corn
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In Mahabaleshwar, Bhutta, or roasted maize, is a well-liked street snack because of its smokey taste and delicious crunch. Roasting corn cobs over an open flame results in soft, slightly browned corn. For an extra spicy taste, they are usually tossed with a mixture of lime juice, salt, and red chilli powder after cooking. Bhutta, which is frequently served on the cob, is a tasty and light snack. It’s a must-try pleasure when you visit because of the lovely aroma of roasted corn combined with the fresh mountain air.
Where To Try: Main Market Area
3. Puran Poli
Photo: Dr. Raju Kasambe / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
A must-try when visiting Mahabaleshwar is Puran Poli, a delicious sweet flatbread from Maharashtra. It is made of a delicate, thin dough that is filled with a jaggery and split chickpea (chana dal) sweet filling. A hint of warm spice is added to the filling by the addition of cardamom and nutmeg. Rich and decadent, Puran Poli is usually served warm with a dab of ghee on top. This delicious dish is available in local restaurants in Mahabaleshwar, but it’s also frequently savoured during festivals and other events.
Where To Try: Aaram Bhavan (near Venna Lake)
4. Vada Pav
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A popular street dish in Mahabaleshwar that has won over many people’s hearts is vada pav. This tasty snack is made up of a soft bread bun, or pav, layered with a spiced potato fritter called vada. A staple of Maharashtra’s cuisine, vada pav is sometimes referred to as the “poor man’s burger”. It is a favourite among residents, visitors, and students due to its appeal, which cuts across social divides. A little crunch and extra flavour are added by some vendors by topping it with fried green chillies, onions, or chaat masala.
Where To Try: Main Market Area
5. Chikki
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In Mahabaleshwar, where it is prepared using ingredients that are found locally a classic Indian dessert is widely enjoyed. Jaggery, or raw cane sugar, and different nuts are the main ingredients of this crunchy snack, which is also a great choice for individuals who have a sweet tooth. Within Maharashtrian cuisine, it is highly regarded and frequently consumed during festivals and festivities. This snack is not only delicious but also regarded as healthy since it contains vital minerals and energy from the nuts.
Where To Try: Main Market Area or Mapro Garden
6. Bhaji And Chai
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In Mahabaleshwar, bhaji (also spelt bhajis or bhajiya) and chai (tea) are a very popular food combo that’s ideal for taking advantage of the chilly hill station weather. Bhajis are spiced chickpea flour fritters deep-fried from a range of vegetables, like potatoes, onions, or spinach. They are a lovely delicacy since they are soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. Bhajis are served hot and fresh at several roadside shops and small restaurants in Mahabaleshwar.
Where To Try: Mapro Garden
7. Maharashtrian Thali
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A colourful and flavourful dish that highlights the diverse culinary traditions of Maharashtra is the Maharashtrian Thali. This Mahabaleshwar thali offers a delicious selection of meals that showcase regional ingredients and cooking techniques. The thali, which is usually served on a conventional steel plate, consists of a number of dishes that let guests sample a wide range of flavours in a single meal.
Where To Try: Main Market Area
8. Chana
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Chickpeas, also known as chana, are a common component in many Indian recipes and are frequently used in Mahabaleshwar cuisine. This adaptable legume gives a hearty touch to many dishes and is full of protein. Chana Masala, a fragrant curry made from cooked chickpeas simmered in a hot tomato-onion stew seasoned with a mixture of aromatic spices, is available in Mahabaleshwar. It is a nutritious and satisfying meal that is usually served with rice or bhakri, or flatbread.
Where To Try: Main Market Area
9. Malai Kulfi
Photo: Riya Chattopadhyay / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Mahabaleshwar’s mild environment makes Malai Kulfi, a popular traditional Indian delicacy, especially enjoyable. After a day of exploring the hill station, this creamy dessert is a great way to chill off. It is made from thickened milk, sugar, and flavoured with cardamom, saffron, or pistachios. Malai Kulfi is available in Mahabaleshwar in a variety of forms, such as cups, on a stick, or as part of a sundae with nuts or sweet syrups on top. The kulfi’s richness and creaminess are a treat to the tastebuds.
Where To Try: Mapro Garden
10. Paneer Tikka
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Paneer Tikka is a popular Indian appetiser that consists of marinated cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) skewered and grilled to perfection. In Mahabaleshwar, this dish is a must-try for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, thanks to its rich flavour and smoky aroma. The paneer is typically marinated in a mixture of yoghurt and spices, which may include garam masala, turmeric, red chilli powder, and cumin, giving it a deliciously spicy kick.
Where To Try: Main Market Area
Mahabaleshwar is a foodie haven, with a diverse range of dishes that perfectly capture the city’s lively atmosphere. There’s something for every palate here with a range of the best food in Mahabaleshwar. Every meal not only satisfies the palate but also conveys a tale about the friendliness and customs of the area. Don’t pass up the opportunity to sample these regional specialities. With TripXL, arrange your culinary journey and create a genuinely remarkable Mahabaleshwar trip.
Cover Photo: Ankushkr2020 / Wikimedia Commons
